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Should the Commanders Add the Prolific Shaun Dolac to their LB Room?

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 28 Buffalo at UConn
Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Shaun Dolac, LB
School: University of Buffalo | Conference: Mid-American Conference
College Experience: Senior | Draft Age: 24 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’0”/ 223 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 6th round

Player Comparison: Matt Milano

College Statistics

Defense & Fumbles Table
Tackles Def Interceptions Fumbles
Season Team Conf Class Pos G Solo Ast Comb TFL Sk Int Yds Avg IntTD PD FR Yds FRTD FF Awards
2020* Buffalo MAC FR LB 7 6 1 7 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2021 Buffalo MAC SO LB 12 20 17 37 6 1.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022* Buffalo MAC JR LB 13 97 50 147 14 4.5 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 3
2023 Buffalo MAC SR LB 4 17 15 32 3 0.0 1 32 32.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2024* Buffalo MAC SR LB 13 82 86 168 19 6.5 5 177 35.4 1 5 0 0 0 0 AA
Career 49 222 169 391 42 12.5 6 209 34.8 1 12 0 0 0 3
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/31/2025.

Player Overview

Shaun Dolac was a walk-on player from West Seneca HS (NY) with the University of Buffalo Buffaloes. From there, he’s been a mainstay of Buffalo’s defense since his junior season where he had 147 combined tackles, 15 TFLs (tackles for losses), and 4.5 sacks. After an injury-shortened 2024 season, Dolac finished with a career high on every stat across the board (168 combined tackles, 19 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 5 INTs)

Shaun Dolac is likely on every football analyst’s short list of defensive draft gems. The tape shows a linebacker who’s speed and footwork matched his pro day performance. Dolac has lined up all over the place but spent most of his time in the box and slot. He reads and reacts well, is able to hit the gaps for runs or put himself in position to defend the pass or force interceptions (5 apiece in 2024). Knocks on Dolac’s play will start with the level of competition as it does for most smaller school prospects.

Awards & Recognition

  • MAC Defensive Player of the Year (2024)
  • Consensus AP All-American (2024)

Metrics

Source: pff.com

Strengths

  • Tackling machine, led the conference in solo/assisted tackles, and TFLs (2024).
  • Highly productive.
  • Reads and reacts well to the play diagnosis.

Weaknesses

  • Played against lower level competition.
  • Perceived concern of a lack of athleticism.
  • Lack of size.

Let’s See His Work

Interviews

How Will He Fit On The Team

While other positions require high draft capital, Washington would be remiss to not continue adding to what was the strength of the defense, especially given how the linebacker position was neglected under Ron Rivera’s tenure. If the Commanders are looking for late-round contributors to add on defense and the linebacking group, Shaun Dolac is as good as they come. He is a read and react linebacker with the footwork coordination and speed to get anywhere on the field. He is a player that could fill in as a rotational linebacker and play special teams. Even after re-signing Bobby Wagner and awaiting the development of Jordan Magee, the Commanders could always use more depth.